The 2005 “Washington Connections” Art Show and Sale dedicated to the memory of Helen Callaway, has announced a change in venue for her exhibit. “ARTistic Melodies,” a series by Mrs. Callaway, will be on display October 29 through November 12 at the Mary Willis Library on Liberty Street, instead of the former Chamber of Commerce Building. There will also be a dedication display featuring her portrait on the Square in Young Fashion’s front display case. All of the paintings for both exhibits have been loaned by family and friends and are not for sale.

Another special exhibit will be the works of Rose R. Talbert of McCormick, South Carolina, who has been painting for 50 years. Early in her art career Mrs. Talbert took lessons in oil from Mrs. Lee Edmunds of McCormick. Talbert now paints in all mediums including oil, acrylic, water color, pen & ink, and colored pencil. She also paints on any kind of surface including wood, metal, glass, paper, canvas, and more.

Talbert’s adult children laugh and tease her saying when they were growing up, if they were still long enough they would get painted! Her love of art goes beyond painting, however, as she has taken classes in pottery, bead making, and basket weaving, and done it all well. She is now interested in taking lessons in glass fusion.

At 81, Talbert is still motivated to learn new methods and techniques in new mediums. Her exhibit will be on display in Washington’s newest boutique, “Bee Southern,” on The Square and she will accept commissions. Mrs. Talbert is the mother of Rosemary Hopkins of Washington.

A group of folk artists known as the “Who Ha Dadas” has accepted an invitation to this year’s show. The “Who Ha Dadas” are the next generation of folk artists and have an overwhelming energy that manifests into various forms of art that often defies categorization.

Their works are rarely limited to the materials found in art supply stores. Instead, they “morph” found objects (some call it trash, some call it recycling) into affordable collectibles.

“The Art Factory” from Augusta will also participate in the 2005 show.

The mission of The Art Factory is to provide high quality fine arts educational experiences that also promote the development of positive life skills. Founded in the mid1990s, The Art Factory is a nonprofit organization and Augusta’s only community school of the Arts offering instruction in dance, theatre, music, and the visual arts. Members of the Factory will be at the show and set up to do an art project with local youth. This hands on opportunity will give interested children and teenagers a chance to dabble in the arts on Saturday.

After the “I’d Rather be in Tignall” Fall Festival and the Washington Connections Art Show and Sale on Saturday, November 5, special festivities will continue Saturday evening at the Washington Jockey Club.

“The Fabulous Fun Times Band” will be featured playing a mix of dance and beach music from the 60s to the 80s. The band’s first performance will be free from 6-7 p.m. during a special happy hour. The second performance is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with a $10 cover charge per person. Proceeds from the second performance will benefit the Washington-Wilkes Foundation for the Arts and Performing Arts.

Sunday, November 6 will begin another special day on The Square in downtown Washington. Activities will begin at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m.

In conjunction with the Sunday art show, several restaurants have planned extended hours.

In addition to restaurants, retailers offering special Sunday hours include a number of downtown merchants.

The Chamber of Commerce on The Square also plans to operate from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday to coincide with the art show hours.

The Washington-Wilkes Foundation for the Arts and Performing Arts is well into its second successful year. Executive board members are Debbie Wells, chairman; Bill Bennett, treasurer; Vicki Harvey, secretary; and Evelyn Bennett, corresponding secretary/membership chairman. Directors who also serve on the Executive Board are Mary Cravens, Polly Fievet, Louise Maynard, and Karen Wheeler. The Foundation greatly appreciates the support that has been shown by Washington-Wilkes businesses, its members, and other local individuals.

For information on lodging and more about Washington-Wilkes, Georgia, visit www.washington wilkes.org.